Posts tagged “Downtown Phoenix Events”

30th Anniversary of Art Detour is March 15-20, 2018

Signature Celebration of Phoenix Arts and Culture Expands to Six Days

All are invited to create and Articipate!

Art Detour, Phoenix’s original art walk and the longest running arts festival in downtown Phoenix, will celebrate its 30-year anniversary March 15-20, 2018. The annual event, produced by Artlink Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit, was launched by Phoenix artists in 1989 and helped birth the First Fridays phenomenon. Referred to as “one of the most important events on Phoenix’s calendar“ by Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton, Art Detour 30 will expand to a six-day schedule, and feature a multi-faceted exploration of the arts and culture of America’s fifth-largest city.

The community is invited to detour through the city and celebrate our artistic surroundings over a delightful weekend of cultural discovery. Patrons can meet artists in their working environments, start or expand their art collection, immerse themselves in downtown’s diverse arts districts, and discuss the impact of the arts on the next 30 years of our city’s development. Detour-ists will be invited to step into more than 100 artist studios, galleries, pop-up spaces and other venues, as well as enjoy performances and family-friendly activities.

NEW Event Schedule: The new six-day event format will kick off with the opening night Art d’Core Gala celebration; span the weekend with a scheduled exploration of key arts districts and artist studios; and end with a symposium that will spur interest in art collecting, foster artists’ career development, and identify actionable items to create a culturally rich and economically diverse city.

NEW Artist Opportunities: In addition to a call for representative work for Art Detour 30. Artlink Inc., Downtown Phoenix, Inc. and Phoenix’s Street Transportation Department and Office of Arts and Culture invite artists and designers of all practices to apply for the Pedal to the Metal: Phoenix Bike Rack Project. The artists selected from this call will create new designs for bicycle racks to be placed throughout Phoenix. A selection of submissions will be featured in an exhibition during Art Detour weekend. View calls to artists here.

How Can You Get Involved?

Articipate! Artists (student, emerging, professional) are encouraged to register as an Artlink Articipant to be included in the Artlink Directory, which will be promoted throughout Art Detour 30. Downtown Phoenix-based galleries, arts businesses, and arts-supporting businesses that register as an Articipant will be identified on the official Art Detour 30 map. Read the registration details here.

Current Artist Opportunities:

Artists of all mediums and experience are invited to contribute to the festivities by submitting to calls to artists. Current opportunities include the following:

Pedal to the Metal: PHX Bike Rack Project: Artlink Inc., Downtown Phoenix, Inc. and Phoenix’s Street Transportation Department and Office of Arts and Culture invite artists and designers of all practices to apply for the Pedal to the Metal: Phoenix Bike Rack Project. Read the details of the call here.

Volunteer: Contribute your time to the arts! Sign up to be a tour docent, gallery host or help with guest relations. Sign up here.

EVENT FACTS

When: Thursday, March 15 through Tuesday, March 20, 2018

Where: More than 100 artist studios, galleries, arts and culture venues and arts-supporting businesses in the greater downtown Phoenix area.

Hosts: Art Detour 30 is produced by Artlink Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit, in partnership with the City of Phoenix Office of Arts & Culture and Downtown Phoenix Inc. and in collaboration with Roosevelt Row CDC, Historic Grand Avenue, Phoenix Warehouse District and Central Arts District.

Getting Around: Artlink provides maps and transportation options for easy navigation of the Detour. Printed maps and an online map powered by Phoenix Urban Guide (phoenixurbanguide.com) will guide patrons through the six-day event. Artlink will provide complimentary docent-guided trolleys from transportation partner Dunn Transportation on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The event is also easily accessible by Valley Metro’s Light Rail and GRiD Bikes.

A portion of proceeds from the sale of exhibited artwork will benefit Artlink and will be allocated to The Artist Forward Fund (TAFF), a program produced by Artlink in collaboration with the AAC for the purpose of providing direct financial benefit to local artists.

When: 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, March 15, 2018

Where: Warehouse215 at Bentley Projects 215 E. Grant St., Phoenix

Hosts: The Art d’Core Gala is hosted Artlink Inc. in partnership with the Office of the Mayor, City of Phoenix Office of Arts & Culture, and Downtown Phoenix Inc.

About Artlink Inc.
Artlink keeps the arts integral to the development of our city by connecting artists, business and community. Artlink supports a variety of community-based art events and initiatives, including complimentary trolley tours during the monthly First Friday and Third Friday Art Walks, The Artist Forward Fund, Phoenix Urban Guide, and the annual Art Detour, Art d’Core Gala and Juried Exhibition. Formed as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 1989, Artlink is supported by City of Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture, Downtown Phoenix Inc., Arizona Commission on the Arts, Phoenix Art Museum, Dunn Transportation, and works in partnership with Roosevelt Row CDC, Phoenix Warehouse District, Central Arts District and Historic Grand Avenue. Visit www.artlinkphx.org to sign up for the Artlink newsletter or connect socially on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Invitation to Phoenix Nonprofit Arts & Culture Organizations:

The Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture has partnered with Artlink in the development of a a centralized arts and culture events calendar. We’re offering a hands-on orientation of this new marketing tool powered by Phoenix Urban Guide (PUG). If you are a nonprofit representative working with the City of Phoenix, please RSVP here.

Time for Mixed Media Happy Hour!

We’re heading to FOUND:RE Phoenix for an evening of mixing & mingling while enjoying featured bar & bites specials. Artists, art venues, business and community members who support the Phoenix arts scene are all invited! RSVP here.

Art Detour, Phoenix’s signature celebration of arts and culture returns March 16-19, 2017, with a four-day slate of diverse activities created by local artists and art venues as a reflection of the growing, vibrant Phoenix arts scene.

The 29th year kicks off with the 5th annual Art d’Core Gala, followed by a special Third Friday Gallery Night of exhibitions and artist receptions, and a Saturday and Sunday schedule of demonstrations, workshops, installations and more. The event is produced by Artlink Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, in partnership with the City of Phoenix and Downtown Phoenix Inc.

Named as “one of the most important events in Phoenix’s calendar” by City of Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton, Art Detour invites visitors to witness the vital Phoenix arts community in many varied forms.

Visitors can meet with emerging and established artists, some in their own studios, some in the galleries; to experience demonstrations, engage in lively discussions; and find original works from a talented pool of Phoenix artists who are exporting their expressions to cities around the world.

For a detailed event schedule including these and other events, visit artdetour.com.

(The event calendar is powered by Phoenix Urban Guide (“PUG”) a project of Artlink in partnership with the City Of Phoenix).

Getting Around – Extended Shuttle Service
For the first time, Artlink will provide complimentary shuttle service on the Third Friday Gallery Night in addition to the Saturday and Sunday daytime hours. The shuttles enable the public to park the car or bike and hop on or off in downtown districts including Historic Grand Avenue, Roosevelt Row, Central Arts District and Phoenix Warehouse District. Knowledgeable volunteer docents staff the trolleys which will run 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, March 17, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, March 18-19. Get the trolley route map and more information here.

A Party to Kick off the Weekend
The annual celebration begins Thursday, March 16, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the 5th annual Art d’Core Gala. Held at Warehouse 215 @ Bentley Projects, 215 E. Grant St. in the heart of the emerging and dynamic Warehouse District, the gala will feature a one-night-only exhibition of works in a variety of media, created by well-established Phoenix-area artists Christine Cassano, Bill Dambrova, Pete Deise, Jeff Falk, Fortoul Brothers, William LeGoullon, Annie Lopez, Ann Morton, Rembrandt Quiballo, Joe Ray, Randy Slack, and Marilyn Szabo. Don’t miss a “Toast to Downtown’” by Mayor Greg Stanton to commence the event. Proceeds from the gala support Artlink, a portion of which will contribute to a new artist development fund designed to help provide direct financial support to local artists. Buy tickets here.

About Artlink Inc.
Artlink keeps the arts integral to the development of our city by connecting artists, business and community. Artlink supports a variety of community-based art events, including complimentary Trolley Tours during the monthly First Friday Art Walk, one of the nation’s largest self-guided art walks; a pop-up gallery program; the Infusion arts initiative; and the annual Juried Exhibition, Art Detour, and Art d’Core Gala. Artlink is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and is supported by City of Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture, Downtown Phoenix Inc., Arizona Commission on the Arts, Phoenix Art Museum, The Arizona Republic, Dunn Transportation, Roosevelt Row CDC, Warehouse District, Central Arts District and Historic Grand Avenue. Visit www.artlinkphx.org to sign up for the Artlink newsletter or connect socially on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Jim Ballinger spoke briefly on his 45-year tenure at the museum and the massive changes in the downtown art scene during that time. He graciously thanked Artlink for the long collaboration and establishing PAM as an essential trolley hub for First Friday visitors, and mentioned the Andy Warhol portrait exhibition coming to PAM next spring!

Mayor Greg Stanton thanked Jim Ballinger for his long and illustrious service to the arts in Phoenix; spoke to the importance of the arts being leaders in creating the increased vibrancy in downtown; briefly touched on some new city policies; and accepted the role of Honorary Chair for both the Art d’Core Gala (Feb 2015), and Art Detour 27 (Mar 2015).

David Krietor talked about Artlink, connectivity in downtown, and how both millennials and baby boomers are deciding to move downtown. On behalf of the Artlink board, and as a thank you for Downtown Phoenix Inc.’s support and partnership, Catrina Kahler and Sarah Levi presented to Krietor the original painting by Marina Rynning, entitled “Living in Color,” the inspiration for this year’s Art Detour poster art and theme.

BOARD ELECTIONS

Welcome a-board Hillary Foose and Stephanie Lieb!

The first order of business for the evening focused on the unanimous election of two Artlink board members:

Artlink President Catrina Kahler defined the Articipant approach to how Artlink functions: artists, galleries, art spaces and retail spaces are invited to sign up as Articipants annually in conjunction with Art Detour.

When you become an Articipant, you get included on the Art Detour Map, along with EVERY First and Third Friday map throughout the year; and as an Articipant you are eligible to apply to participate in Artlink’s Pop-up program, ticketed tours, and other promotional opportunities that arise throughout the year.

In addition to thee Hubs, there are a number of other stops along the route where the public is encouraged to hop off and hop on to get the full range of downtown arts experiences available on a First Friday – or any Friday!

Future plans include additional trolley tour signage, and working with the Downtown Phoenix Partnership Ambassadors to create more engaging and interactive Hubs.

Downtown Phoenix Art ToursArtlink Vice President Sarah Levi provided information on the transition of our ticketed tour program. Originally launched as the Artlink Collectors Tour in Fall of 2012, the program has evolved. As we are developing our relationship with downtown hospitality venues, including the Phoenix Convention Center, the program has re-calibrated its scope to reach a broader audience of participants, beyond those who self-identify as “art collectors.” The new name of “Downtown Art Tour” broadens the scope of what we offer and to whom, but will retain the curated element, to insure an in-depth experience of the arts for participants.

Pop-up Gallery ProgramSarah reviewed the successes of the pop-up in the CityScape lobby during Art Detour and the current call to artists for “Refresh” the second pop-up exhibition in that location. She also shared the success of our pop-up in conjunction with the Eight’s Check Please! Arizona Festival, and Artlink’s plan to get art into many different downtown venues.

Juried ExhibitionBoard Member Sally Russell announced this year will be Artlink’s 16th Annual Juried Exhibition. Sally provided background on the past exhibitions and the strategy behind changing the date from spring to fall this year. She let attendees know that the Call to Artists for the show would be going out soon, and that the opening reception is scheduled for Thursday, September 4. Location at the time of the meeting was TBD. There are small cash awards for the winner(s).

Reinvent Phoenix GrantBoard Member Kirby Hoyt provided a quick overview of the three main activities covered under Artlink’s grant for this program, which is focused on areas along the light rail, beyond the downtown core.

Activity One – Introduced by Board Member Hugo Medina. This is a series of mural projects being done in conjunction with schools. Final decisions on all of the sites is still in process, however, one school – Crockett Elementary – has already taken part in the process and has a fabulous new mural done by the students in conjunction with the artist Hugo Medina.

Activity Two – Introduced by Artlink Secretary Jill Bernstein. This activity involves the creation of community specific art banners at three different light rail stations: McDowell & Central, Roosevelt & Central, and 12th & Jefferson. A Call to Artists has gone out (with a deadline of July 21) and the project will be completed in September. This is part of a way-finding strategy that will brand each neighborhood that surrounds the station, and invites people to explore.

Activity Three – Introduced by Catrina. This is another element of way-finding that has two distinct elements:

The addition of arts and culture destinations to the new maps at light rail stations. Artlink was a major contributor to this content.

The creation of additional site-specific web content pages on the Metro Light Rail site that will enable people visiting that station/neighborhood to go deeper and learn more about surrounding neighborhoods at approximately 10-12 stations between 19th Ave and Glendale and 12th Street and Jefferson.

Art Detour/Art d’Core Gala
Catrina shared the Artlink calendar for the year (available on the Artlink website), which includes planning committee dates beginning in September, known dates for calls to artists, and all Detour, Gala-related, and general Artlink deadlines through next June.

We will be presenting the Art d’Core Gala once again in February and the City of Phoenix and Downtown Phoenix Inc will partner with Artlink once again on this great event. Stay tuned for the confirmed date and location.

Kids’ Detour – we are looking for someone to spearhead this element of next year’s event to make it better and more visible.

Volunteers
Catrina introduced our new Artlink Volunteer Coordinator – Brooks Werner. He will be recruiting and organizing the volunteers that Artlink needs throughout the year:

Information table staffing on First Fridays

Tour Docents on First Friday Trolleys

Assisting marketing efforts for special events: flyering, etc.

OPENING REMARKS – AND THANKS!

Artlink Board Member Cole Reed, spoke to the importance of communication. There are so many strong programs, and we as a community need to spread the word to make them successful.

Thank you to everyone who turned out for our Annual Meeting! We appreciate your support and look forward to another great year linking downtown through the arts.

The Artlink Collectors Tour program brings established and emerging collectors into downtown Phoenix galleries and nurtures opportunities for artists and galleries to connect with new buyers. The tours promote the range and quality of work being created and shown in downtown, and help define Phoenix as a vibrant arts market.

DATES FOR FALL ARTLINK COLLECTORS TOURS:

Saturday, September 21, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Saturday, November 16, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

PHOENIX ART MUSEUM GUEST CURATORS:

The galleries featured on the tours will be selected by guest curators from Phoenix Art Museum, Sara Cochran, Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at the Phoenix Art Museum (pictured right), and Gabriela Munoz, Curatorial Assistant, Modern and Contemporary Art.

Ms. Munoz will guide the tour on September 21, and Ms. Cochran will guide the tour November 16.

HOW TO SUBMIT:

1) Fees. There is no fee to submit your September and November exhibit for consideration.

2) Qualifications. You must be a paid-up gallery participant in Art Detour 25 (an Articipant) to qualify. (Didn’t participate in Detour? Contact Artlink at info@artlinkphoenix.org to find out how you can become an Articipant.)

3) Submission requirements:

Name, address, website of the gallery

Name, email and phone number of the person curating the exhibit

Name and dates of the exhibit

Name[s] and CVs of exhibit artist[s]

Curator narrative on purpose of exhibit

Digital imagery from the exhibit, or from the artists’ corpus

Gallery owner, curator[s] and exhibit artist[s] will be responsive and available to the guide for answering questions, interviews, gallery and studio visits etc. during the selection process.

4) Requirements for selected galleries:

Assist Artlink in promoting the tour

Gallery owner and curator[s] will be at the gallery during the tour

At least one of the exhibiting artists will be at the gallery during the tour

Provide liquid refreshments for tour members

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS: JUNE 29, 2013.
(this deadline is for both the September AND the November tours)

Thank you for your support of the Artlink Collectors Tour program. If you have any additional questions, please contact Artlink Board Member Robert Diehl at 602-503-2716 or email info@artlinkphoenix.org..

About the Collectors Tours:
The Artlink Collectors Tours are bi-monthly, ticketed, guided tours. They will be scheduled on Saturday afternoons (1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.) following Third Fridays, and they will be considered private showings, with the gallerist, the curator and the artist(s) present to talk about the work. Artlink will work with each guide and selected gallery to determine the timing of each stop on the tour (approximately 30 to 40 minutes per stop).

Each tour will feature a different Guest Guide chosen from among local art authorities, such as Valley museum directors, curators, senior docents or members, Arizona art critics, art faculty, and private or corporate art collectors.

Guides will select three or fewer exhibits for each tour based entirely on their own independent judgment with one exception: no gallery will be selected for consecutive tours.

Artlink Phoenix’s 15th Annual Juried Exhibition at the A.E. England Gallery presents the work of fifteen exceptional Arizona artists. The pieces shown in this exhibition were selected by a panel of three jurors from the Arizona arts community. This year the panel was made up of Arizona State University Art Museum Curator, Gordon Knox; Phoenix artist, Angela Ellsworth; and critic and curator of R. Pela Gallery, Robrt Pela.

Artlink Phoenix is excited to present The 15th Annual Juried Exhibition. Artlink Phoenix is now accepting submissions for its juried exhibition featuring the works of professional artists residing in the state of Arizona. The show will take place at the Artlink A. E. England Gallery throughout the month of May, 2013.

The opening reception will be held on First Friday, May 3rd, 2013 from 6-10 PM. A cash prize will be awarded to the three artists. We are accepting many types of artworks including: oil, watercolor, acrylic, graphite, charcoal, pastels, photography, print making, textile, mixed media, new genre, performance, and video.

The submission deadline is April 13th, 2013.

Participants that exhibited in the past are permitted to submit; however, we ask that you refrain from submitting the same piece that was in a previous Artlink Juried Exhibition.

1. Up to 3 artwork images in .jpg format with a maximum 72 dpi per image

2. Image List: Name of artist, written description of artwork to include title, media, and dimensions next to thumbnail images of the artworks in either MS Word or PDF format

3. Artist statement- should not exceed 1 page

4. Resume- should not exceed 3 pages. Name of artist and page number on top left corner of each page

5. A non-refundable $25 application fee, paid by check made out to Artlink Phoenix and sent to the address below with ATT. Juried Submission and the artist name included. Post marked checks after deadline will not be accepted and submission will not be reviewed. Members of Artlink Phoenix and volunteers are exempt from the application fee.

6. The non-refundable $25 application fee can also be paid though PayPal. Go to paypal.com and pay this email address info@artlinkphoenix.org. Please include the name of the event and the name you are using to enter.

6th Avenue Gallery exhibition features stilettos like you’ve never seen them before

WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH A BLACK STILETTO AS A CANVAS?

Back by popular demand, the 6th Avenue Gallery is presenting the 2013 “Inspired Soles” art show and auction to benefit Artlink Phoenix. Featuring dozens of high heel stilettos transformed into works of art by local artists, designers and celebrities, the exhibition gives new meaning to the term “well heeled.” See for yourself when the show debuts at First Friday in April.

FIRST FRIDAY DEBUT

The “Inspired Soles” stiletto art show will be unveiled during a one-night event and auction presented by the 6th Avenue Gallery. The evening festivities include a live and silent auction, live music from Flavour, gallery refreshments, mingling with the artists behind the shoes, and the opportunity to buy stilettos that are truly unmatched. By that, we mean the artistic creations are sold as single pieces, not pairs, although we can occasionally accommodate requests for a matching pair if the artist deems the design as wearable. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Artlink Phoenix, a nonprofit organization dedicated to linking artists, business and the public to better understand, appreciate and promote a thriving arts community in central Phoenix.

“Inspired Soles” is the brainchild of BJC Public Relations (BJC) and Torres Marquez Communications (TMC), two power house public relations agencies that are celebrating their three year anniversary as marketing partners. There’s no better or more appropriate way for these two predominantly female agencies to celebrate the anniversary of a match made in heaven!

PHOENIX (February 27, 2013) – The event that launched Phoenix’s First Fridays Art Walk phenomenon is returning to the streets of downtown Phoenix for its 25th year on March 2 and 3, 2013. The silver anniversary of Art Detour will take a historical look at the downtown arts scene, celebrate the many people who contributed to its success over the years, and recognize the artists, galleries, organizations and businesses contributing to the arts today.

Art Detour 25, organized by Artlink Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, will coincide with March First Friday, resulting in a weekend chock-full of arts related tours, exhibits and activities. The event is free and offers programming appropriate for all ages. During Art Detour, visitors can visit galleries, including pop up spaces and mystery galleries; enter rarely open artist studios; take guided tours; engage in fun hands-on art activities; and much more.

Art Detour is a unique opportunity for the whole family to explore Phoenix’s art scene in a fun, festival environment.

The shuttles will run on a continuous loop (20-minute anticipated runtime for full loop, pending traffic) through downtown. Visitors can also be able to walk, bike, take light rail, or drive to the destinations beyond the reach of the shuttle route.

PARKING: Free parking is available at Phoenix Center for the Arts 1202 N. 3rd Street (the east end of Margaret T. Hance Park), at the southwest corner of 15th Avenue and Roosevelt as well as the Arizona Center parking garage. Street parking is also available throughout downtown.

A Public (ART) Hanging: This exhibition features visual artists from across the Valley. The display is located at Oasis on Grand, 1501 NW Grand Ave. The opening night preview and artist reception will take place on First Friday, March 1, from 6 to 10 p.m., and the gallery will be open on both Saturday and Sunday for Detour.

Kids’ Detour: Bring the kids and allow them to find their inner artist! Art Detour 25 is proud to include activities for the whole family. Many galleries participating this year are featuring kid-friendly exhibitions and activities. These may include workshops, demonstrations, finger-paint murals, sidewalk chalk and more.

Special Guided Tours: Updated information will be available this weekend at the Phoenix Art Center and Neighborhood Hubs information booths.

Public Art Walking Tour (Saturday only)

Join two public art enthusiasts, Donna Reiner and Edward Jensen, as they help you uncover the art treasures of downtown Phoenix. Starting at the one-year old Gallery@City Hall, you will explore the convention center, swing pass the Herberger Theater, discover the sculpture at the Sheraton Hotel, tromp down Taylor Mall, and conclude with “Her Secret is Patience” at Downtown Civic Space Park.

The Public Art Walking Tours are scheduled at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 pm. Wear comfortable shoes!

The first tour starts at 2:00 pm at the Phoenix Art Center, makes a stop at Roosevelt Row Arts Market and then continues down to Jackson Street. The tour will visit four separate working artists studios at Jackson Street (Michael Marlowe, Linda Ingraham, Diane Silver and Bob Adams), then re-board the bus to visit the Popup Galleries at Bentley Projects, before making the return trip to the Phoenix Art Center. The second tour begins at 3:30 and repeats the circuit.

These free Studio Tour tours are scheduled at 2:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Seats are available on a first-come first-served basis.

Calle 16

This is a self-guided tour of the incredible 16th Street area murals. Maps can be picked up at the Hive at 2222 N. 16th Street.

Art Detour is an annual free, two-day, self-guided tour of artist studios, art spaces, galleries and other art venues in downtown Phoenix organized by Artlink, Inc. in cooperation with the participating venues. Art Detour draws thousands of enthusiastic arts supporters each year, and provides a unique cultural experience for people new and not so new to the arts in downtown Phoenix. This year marks our 25th anniversary and we’ve opened a portal to our past with the “Detour in Time” historic retrospective of Art Detour on view in Artlink’s A.E. England gallery. The exhibition premiered at our Silver Gala held last Saturday, February 23.

About Artlink:

Artlink, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to linking artists, business and the public to better understand, appreciate and promote a thriving arts community in Central Phoenix. Artlink promotes a variety of community-based art events happening throughout the year, including First Fridays, the country’s largest self-guided gallery tour, and also operates two downtown galleries at Heritage & Science Park and the A.E. England Building. Both gallery spaces are committed to showcasing the talents of new and emerging local artists. Ongoing community projects include, the promotion of the First Friday Art Walk and Third Friday Collectors Tour, annual Juried Exhibition, and the annual Artlink Art Detour. For more information, visit:artlinkphoenix.org. Artlink’s year-round activities are supported by Phoenix Art Museum, Dunn Transportation, Snell & Wilmer, Arizona Commission on the Arts, Phoenix Community Alliance, The Torosian Foundation, Downtown Voices Coalition, Grand Avenue Merchants Association, Roosevelt Row CDC, Phoenix Center for the Arts, Obliq Art, Urban Affair and Invexi Web Development.

Downtown Phoenix’s Obliq Art gallery will honor the upcoming Artlink Phoenix’s 25th Anniversary of Art Detour with a special gallery showing of acclaimed contemporary artist Fred Tieken. Tieken, along with the paintings of Richard and Michele Bledsoe, will be at the Arizona Center art gallery from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. on Friday, February 1, 2013.

Tieken’s original painting titled, “The Artist,” has been chosen as the official visual of Art Detour 25 (see it here!), and will be on display at Obliq Art during the February 1 event. This special First Friday showing of Tieken’s award-winning works will offer a preview to the upcoming 25th Annual Art Detour on March 2-3, 2013. Husband and wife artists Richard and Michele Bledsoe, along with the music of Kimberly Steele will also take part in the celebratory evening of local art.

Larry Ortega, owner of Obliq Art at the Arizona Center, whom also serves as the center’s commercial real estate broker said, “We are delighted to have Fred Tieken show at our downtown Phoenix gallery. Obliq is honored to serve the local community with outstanding art and artists such as Tieken and the
Bledsoes.”

Committed to the downtown community, Arizona Center is actively catering to the local business and art scene with unique shops and venues such as the gallery. Obliq, the contemporary urban “pop up” gallery space, promotes Arizona and Phoenix artists and connects local art with the emerging art scene of
downtown. With Tieken’s works and “Changing Lanes,” the art of husband and wife team Richard and Michele Bledsoe, the event showing at the Arizona Center for February’s First Friday offers a unique opportunity to Valley art lovers to meet the artists personally during their exhibit event.

The historic 25-year Art Detour celebration will look back at the history of the art scene in downtown. The celebration will kick off with an opening Silver Gala on Saturday, February 23 at the A.E. England Building in Downtown’s Civic Space Park. The Art Detour weekend (March 2-3) will feature a broad array of open studios and galleries, Kids’ Detour activities, and free trolleys.

Fred Tieken and “Changing Lanes” by Richard and Michele Bledsoe are free and open to the public on February 1, 2013 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Obliq Art in Arizona Center, 455 N. Third Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004.

More About Arizona Center:
Arizona Center is owned by CommonWealth REIT, a real estate investment trust, or REIT, which primarily owns office and industrial properties located throughout the United States. The property is managed by Reit Management & Research LLC, Real Estate Services. For more information about Arizona Center, visit www.arizonacenter.com. For leasing inquiries, contact Larry Ortega at 602-222-5019.

About Fred Tieken:
Before he first put brush to canvas, Fred Tieken had enjoyed successful careers as both a musician and graphic designer.

For more than 30 years, he was principal designer and creative director of his internationally recognized graphic design firm. During that time he received over 200 design awards and, in 1999, he was named one of the top 50 art directors in the world by Art Direction magazine. Prior to his career in design, Fred
was a prolific musician and producer, releasing numerous albums and singles that are still in demand by collectors. His music has been featured on compilation albums, both in the United States and Europe.

Fred’s abstract contemporary and figurative paintings have received critical acclaim and enthusiastic coverage from the media. His paintings come from the heart and tell the story of his life experience.

Fred created his first public work of art in March 2012, when he was commissioned to create the art for a 126-foot-long mural located two blocks west of Phoenix Art Museum at Third Avenue and McDowell Road in Phoenix, Arizona. Since 2010, Fred’s paintings have been featured in more than twenty juried
exhibitions and one-man shows in Arizona and California. For more information about Fred Tieken, visit www.freddietieken.com.

About Richard Bledsoe:
A painter of parables and fables, Richard Bledsoe’s original art pursues a spiritual energy represented as patterns, animals or figures of power. Images presented as flashes or inspiration, complete a visualization for each of the artist’s work.

About Michele Bledsoe:
As a self-taught artist, Michele Bledsoe illustrates her own private symbolism cultivated in isolation, allowing her to spontaneously develop her own vision. Bledsoe’s work is the result of a lifetime love of creating pictures, and intimately works every inch of the canvas with small, exact strokes, layering colors
and incorporating texture, wood grain, crumbling stone, twisting ribbon and curling leaves.

On January 18th, Artlink’s Collectors Tour program is kicking off the new year robustly with Robrt Pela, a fascinating cultural polymath, guiding you to three galleries for intimate conversations with the curators and artists.

Bentley Gallery has now consolidated into its downtown Phoenix location. John Reyes will take you through that process and explain the literally manifold beauty of the current show, “Mark Pomilio / Jeremy Thomas” along with remarks from artist Mark Pomilio.

monOrchid Gallery’s new curator, Justin Germain, has created quite a buzz in his first few exhibits. He and two artists will be on hand to share their insights with you: photographer Linda Ingraham’s unique project “Off the Beaten Path: A Departure From The Norm” and Matt Dougan’s personal retrospective “As the Crow Flies.”

Willo North Gallery presents “Youth: New Work by Bob Adams,” his first solo show in 20 years, with Bob explaining what inspired him to re-enter this world.

Refreshments will be served. Just park your car at Phoenix Art Museum and join us for three interesting hours exploring the best of contemporary art.

Successes in 2012 point to an exciting year ahead, and we are extremely grateful for your ongoing participation and support. As an entirely volunteer-run organization, we count on the volunteers, donors, and champions who step up to help us serve Downtown Phoenix artists through our signature programs that link artists to the public.

Over this last year, we’ve grown and strengthened our board of directors; engaged the arts community in planning for our future; built a new and improved website; and improved and updated the First Fridays Art Walk map every month.

Art Detour 24 broke new ground with more than seventy participants; a new and improved section on our website; a pop-up gallery and free parking at the Arizona Center; the popular Public Hanging exhibition, and guided tours by bus and bike.

Our First Friday tour shuttles now include knowledgeable hosts to help orient visitors to the Roosevelt Row and Grand Avenue arts districts, as well as provide them more in-depth information about the artists and openings being featured each month. Throughout the year, the shuttles transported more than 6500 people from home base at the Phoenix Art Museum to galleries and studios throughout downtown. Many of the people on the shuttles were experiencing the event for the first time.

In an effort to shine a brighter light on outstanding Phoenix artists, Artlink inaugurated our Third Friday Collectors Tour series. This specialized tour is a ticketed event, which gives participants a behind-the-scenes opportunity to visit art spaces and meet one-on-one with exhibiting artists to learn more about the techniques and inspiration behind their work.

On our first tour, 20 art lovers visited Modified Arts, Michael Marlowe’s studio on Jackson Street, and the Willo North Gallery exhibition Fauna/Fauna featuring artists Christy Puetz and Carolyn Lavender. Our next Third Friday Collector’s Tour is scheduled for Friday, January 18. Local bon vivant Robrt Pela (New Times writer, KJZZ theater critic, and Willo North Gallery curator) will be our knowledgeable and charming host. Tickets are limited, so get yours today.

In early December, Artlink participated in the first ever Phoenix Festival of the Arts, where we provided an artist lounge for the more than 80 artists who worked to create the city’s largest mural. It was an extraordinary opportunity for artists from every walk of life to meet and collaborate with each other and the public on a project that will live on in the PHX Renews temporary public space at Indian School and Central.

As we look forward to 2013, we are thrilled to be celebrating our 25th Art Detour on March 2 and 3. There are lots of exciting details we’ll be unveiling in the New Year, along with information on what’s to come with our Third Friday Collector’s Tours.

Each improvement we make in Artlink programs requires funding. Please become an Artlink supporter by donating at your comfort level to help us continue to serve Downtown Phoenix artists and to grow our programs that provide public access to the diversity of talent in our city.

PHOENIX (August 2, 2012) – The event that launched Phoenix’s First Fridays Art Walk phenomenon is returning to the streets of downtown Phoenix for its 25th year on March 2 and 3, 2013.

The silver anniversary edition of the Art Detour will take a historical look at the downtown arts scene, celebrate the many people who contributed to its success over the years, and recognize the artists, galleries, organizations and businesses contributing to the arts today.

Art Detour 25, organized by Artlink Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, will coincide with March First Friday, resulting in a weekend chock-full of arts related tours, exhibits and activities. The event is free and offers programming appropriate for all ages.

“Art Detour is one of the most important events in Phoenix’s calendar,” Mayor Greg Stanton said. “Few events do as much to enrich the lives of Phoenicians and give exposure to local businesses and artists. Twenty-five years is a milestone. It should remind all of us to continue to support the arts so the next generation can experience all that Phoenix has to offer.”

Nancy Hill, Artlink Vice President and Art Detour Chair, said this event is the best kind of downtown community celebration.

“We have had extensive conversations with the community and representatives of the major downtown arts districts,” Hill said. “There is genuine excitement about the opportunity to showcase what artists have done – and will continue to do – for downtown.”

About Art Detour Art Detour is an annual free, two-day, arts festival and self-guided tour of artist studios, art spaces, galleries and other art venues in downtown Phoenix organized by Artlink, Inc. in cooperation with the participating venues. Art Detour draws thousands of enthusiastic arts supporters each year providing a unique cultural experience for people new and not so new to the downtown Phoenix Arts Community. The launch of Art Detour preceded and brought about the creation of the now-famous First Fridays Art Walk.

About Artlink Artlink, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to linking artists, business and the public to better understand, appreciate and support a thriving arts community in downtown Phoenix. Artlink supports a variety of community-based art events happening throughout the year and also operates the A.E. England Gallery, which is committed to showcasing the talents of new and emerging local artists. Ongoing community projects include, support of the First Fridays Art Walk, the country’s largest self-guided gallery tour; Third Fridays Gallery Tour; an annual Juried Exhibition; and the annual Art Detour self-guided tour, featuring open studios, pop-up galleries, family-friendly art experiences and more. For more information, visit www.artlinkphoenix.org.

Artlink, creator of the wildly popular First Friday’s in downtown Phoenix and Art Detour, one of the longest-running arts events in Arizona, will be the benefactor of a warehouse clearance sale.

The sale will be held on Saturday, May 19th, from 7AM to 12 NOON in the parking lot of the After Hours Building, at 116 W. McDowell Road. The After Hours Building is in the heart of downtown Phoenix, 1 block west of the Phoenix Art Museum and the Central/McDowell Light Rail Stop.

Merchandise comes from a variety of manufacturers and most are never-used overstocks and samples. Items in the sale include gift-wrap, stationery goods, pet products, scrap-booking supplies, t-shirts, greeting cards, holiday decor and other novelty items. Prices are discounted nearly 90% from normal retail, with many items marked at just 25 cents.

According to Mike Oleskow, interim President of Artlink and organizer of the sale, “This is a great opportunity for people to get incredible deals and support the Phoenix Arts community. Proceeds keep services like the First Friday shuttles running each month. While free for First Friday participants who love using it to explore art and to get around, the shuttles are Artlink’s biggest expense each month.”

Artlink Phoenix is one of the oldest, all volunteer run, 501-C-3 arts organizations in downtown Phoenix. Its mission is to maintain and enhance regular events, including the monthly First Fridays art walk, the annual Art Detour self-guided tour, an annual Juried Exhibition and an art-related fundraiser.

NEW DOWNTOWN GALLERY DEBUTS WITH “INSPIRED SOLES” ART SHOW AND AUCTION

6th Avenue Gallery exhibition features stilettos like you’ve never seen them before

WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH A BLACK STILETTO AS A CANVAS?
That’s the question that the predominantly female crew behind the 6th Avenue Gallery posed to artists and designers to solicit participation in “Inspired Soles” Art Show and Auction. The response has been nothing short of sensational – but don’t take our word for it. Come see for yourself when the 6th Avenue Gallery debuts its exhibition on First Friday in April. Featuring dozens of high heel stilettos transformed into works of art, along with a provocative photo collection of women wearing their favorite power stilettos, this show is sure to validate what Marilyn Monroe and women everywhere have long known to be true, “Give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world.”

FIRST FRIDAY DEBUT
The “Inspired Soles” stiletto art show will be unveiled during a one-night event and auction presented by the 6th Avenue Gallery. The gallery’s grand opening celebration in downtown Phoenix will be done in style, complete with food trucks, music, and just enough twinkle lighting to check out the undoubtedly inspired soles of those who attend this event. Bring your wallet because every stiletto featured in the “Inspired Soles” exhibition will be sold to the highest bidders. Proceeds will benefit Artlink Phoenix, a nonprofit organization dedicated to linking artists, business and the public to better understand, appreciate and promote a thriving arts community in central Phoenix.

A LITTLE MORE ABOUT “INSPIRED SOLES”
“Inspired Soles” is the brainchild of BJC Public Relations (BJC) and Torres Marquez Communications (TMC), two power house public relations agencies that are celebrating their recent move into a newly renovated downtown Phoenix building owned by BJC. The agencies put their heads together and determined that a show featuring stilettos designed by Valley artists was an appropriate way for two mostly female PR firms to celebrate their new digs, and thriving multicultural marketing partnership.

From the First Stop! at Arizona Center or from neighborhood Hub Stops in Roosevelt and Grand, visitors can explore public art, murals, art moments from the past, and other interesting places. Times and departure locations below:

PHOENIX (March 15, 2012) – The Downtown Phoenix arts community welcomes the return of the self-guided art tour that started the First Fridays phenomenon: Art Detour 24. The two-day event will take place Saturday, March 17, from 10 a.m. to 6 pm., and Sunday, March 18, from 12 noon to 6 p.m.

During this festive weekend, visitors will have the opportunity visit art galleries, artist studios, take bicycle tours, learn about public art and murals from knowledgeable docents and much more.

Music and performance art will also be a part providing visitors with a unique opportunity to explore Phoenix’s art scene in a fun, festival environment.

The First Stop! is at Arizona Center (400 E. Van Buren St.), with the London Bus shuttles departing from 3rd Street, near AMC Theatres. Live entertainment and kids activities will entertain visitors waiting for the next shuttle.

Visitors can also pick up maps from information tables and access the shuttles from two additional Neighborhood Hub Stop locations:

The shuttles will run on a continuous loop (20 minute anticipated runtime for full loop, pending traffic) through Downtown. Visitors will also be able to walk, bike, Light Rail or drive to the 70 destinations beyond the reach of the shuttle route.

First Stop! at Arizona Center: While waiting for the shuttle, visitors can enjoy live music, dance and comedy performances. Sunday performances include a variety of cultural performance dance groups, plus live music and child-friendly craft activities.

Art Detour’s diverse base of participating art galleries and activities promises something for everyone, from
the established arts collector to those who are new to the arts and interested in learning more.

Art Detour is an annual free, two-day, self-guided tour of artist studios, art spaces, galleries and other art venues in downtown Phoenix organized by Artlink, Inc. in cooperation with the participating venues. Art Detour draws thousands of enthusiastic arts supporters each year providing a unique cultural experience for people new and not so new to the Downtown Phoenix Arts Community. The launch of Art Detour preceded and brought about the creation of the now-famous First Fridays Art Walk.

About Artlink

Artlink, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to linking artists, business and the public to better understand, appreciate and promote a thriving arts community in Central Phoenix. Artlink promotes a variety of community-based art events happening throughout the year, including First Fridays, the country’s largest self-guided gallery tour, and also operates two downtown galleries at Heritage & Science Park and the A.E. England Building. Both gallery spaces are committed to showcasing the talents of new and emerging local artists. Ongoing community projects include, the promotion of the First Friday Art Walk and Third Friday Gallery Tour, annual Juried Exhibition, the annual Artlink Art Detour self-guided tour, featuring open studios, pop-up galleries, family-friendly art experiences and more. For more information, visit:artlinkphoenix.org